Dual-pivot steering system and method

ABSTRACT

A system for guided travel over a surface between parallel guide rails includes a first frame including at least one rotatable element for travel over the surface; a first pin connected to the first frame, for rotation of the first frame thereon; a second frame including at least one rotatable element for travel over the surface; a second pin connected to the second frame, for rotation of the second frame thereon; and a base connected to the first pin and the second pin. The first frame and the second frame each include guide wheels for tracking along the respective guide rails and between them. The base can provide transit for people or products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to transport vehicles and, more particularly, relates to guided mass transit vehicles having dual-pivot steering mechanisms.

Mass transit trains and other guided transit vehicles, such as subways and the like, operate in certain large cities and metropolitan areas in the U.S. and throughout the world. Additional locations would, no doubt, be benefited by mass transport services. Costs are quite substantial to acquire land, build tracks and infrastructure, and operate transport vehicles. Thus, many locations forego, or do not have the ability and resources required to implement and provide, transit services.

Prior mass transit systems have typically been built in underground tunnels (e.g., as subways), as overhead railways, or as street-operated buses. Each of these systems is problematic because of expense. Moreover, each of the systems has certain requirements and peculiarities for construction and operations that make it physically and technically impractical, if not impossible in many cases.

Additionally, although most locations have railway and surface street facilities and access in place, the prior transit systems have only been capable of limited cross-use of the facilities and access. For example, buses use city streets, however, the buses must typically conform to traffic flows of regular car and vehicle traffic. Few, if any, buses operate in designated lanes and transit space. The buses can be unwieldy and, in any event, further clog the normal vehicular traffic. As another example, trains use rail systems. These rail systems typically are limited to certain portions of cities or areas; therefore, the rails can not themselves provide general transit system access. Additionally, as to tunnel and overhead transit systems, the transit vehicles typically operate only in dedicated lines or space. However, these systems require special and costly infrastructure because of the dedicated usage, including land and space availability concerns.

It would be a significant improvement in the art and technology to provide systems and methods for mass transit that make best use of existing facilities and systems otherwise used for other purposes. Additionally, it would be an improvement to provide such systems and methods operable among and between the conventional facilities and systems. Moreover, it would be a significant improvement in the art and technology to limit costs, infrastructure, space usage, and other normal requirements for erection and operation of mass transit systems. The present invention provides numerous advantages and improvements, including, for example, limited costs, use of existing infrastructures, minimization of land and space dedication and requirements, and other advantages. The present invention further operates consistently, smoothly, and in superior respects to the conventional systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is a system for guided travel over a surface between parallel guide rails. The system includes a first frame including at least one rotatable element for travel over the surface, a first pin connected to the first frame, for rotation of the first frame thereon, a second frame including at least one rotatable element for travel over the surface, a second pin connected to the second frame, for rotation of the second frame thereon, and a base connected to the first pin and the second pin

Another embodiment of the invention is a transport system for travel over a surface. The system includes a wheel for travel on the surface, a frame on which the wheel is rotatingly fixed, a guide fixed to the surface, and a roller, rotatingly fixed to the frame, for travel in close proximity to and along the guide.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of transit of a vehicle. The method includes providing a first guided wheel, providing a second guided wheel, and pivoting the first guided wheel and the second guided wheel with respect to the vehicle.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of transit. The method includes providing a frame having a first pin and a second pin longitudinally displaced, providing a first guide, pivotally connected to the first pin, and providing a second guide pivotally connected to the second pin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a pivot steering mechanism for a transit system, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an end view, along line A-A′ of FIG. 1, of the pivot steering mechanism for a transit system, according to certain embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a transit vehicle foundation, including dual ones of the pivot steering mechanism for a transit system, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a pivot steering mechanism 100 includes an axle 102 and two wheels 104 a, 104 b. The wheels 104 a, 104 b are rotatingly fixed at respective ends of the axle 102. The axle 102 is maintained within an axle housing 106. The axle housing 106 includes a central, longitudinal void for holding the axle 102 in a freely rotating manner within the void. Although the axle housing 106 is shown as a single element in FIG. 1, the axle housing 106 is and can include any device for affixing the axle 102 in rotational relationship to any structures fixed to the axle housing 106.

The axle housing 106 is pivotally fixed to struts 108 a, 108 b at or near respective ends of the axle housing, close to the respective wheels 104 a, 104 b. The struts 108 a, 108 b pivot with the axle housing 106 at the pivot points 110 a, 110 b, respectively. The struts 108 a, 108 b have another end not fixed via the pivot points 110 a, 110 b to the axle housing 106.

Each other end of each of the struts 108 a, 108 b is fixed at respective ends of a guide bar 112. The struts 108 a, 108 b pivot at the pivot points 114 a, 114 b, respectively, in relation to the guide bar 112. The guide bar 112 is fixed or incorporated with a center point pivot 120. The center point pivot 120 is a centrum for rotational movement of the entire combination of the wheels 104 a, 104 b, axle 102, axle housing 106, struts 108 a, 108 b, and guide bar 112 thereabout. The guide bar 112 is fixed to the center point pivot 120 at a midway location of the length of the guide bar 112. The guide bar 112 is, thus, rotates around the point pivot 120 such that each half of the guide bar 112 is a spoke about the center point pivot 120. The wheels 104 a, 104 b, axle 102, axle housing 106, and struts 108 a, on the other hand, are maintained in relative relation about the pivot points 110 a, 110 b and 114 a, 114 b and are circularly rotatable around the center point pivot 120 always some length away from the location of the center point pivot 120.

In operations, the guide bar 112 rotates around its midway at the center point pivot 120. The struts 108 a, 108 b, in cooperation with the axle housing 106 and the axle 102 contained within the axle housing 106, causes the axle 102 to remain substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of arrow X. This operation causes the wheels 104 a, 104 b to roll on the axle 102 in substantially parallel direction to the arrow X of travel of the mechanism 100.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the axle housing 106 is fixedly connected to parallel bars 122 a, 122 b. The parallel bars 122 a, 122 b are fixed in perpendicular relation to the axle housing 106. The parallel bars 122 a, 122 b extend along either side of the center point pivot 120. As the axle housing 106 moves rotationally around the center point pivot 120, the parallel bars 122 a, 122 b likewise rotate around the center point pivot 120 and maintain the perpendicular relation to the axle housing 106 and the parallel relation of the bars 122 a, 122 b across opposing sides to the center point pivot 120.

The parallel bars 122 a, 122 b are substantially the same length, and extend sufficiently laterally beyond the wheels 104 a, 104 b. At an end of the parallel bars 122 a, 122 b, extending beyond the axle housing 106 on a same side of the center point pivot 120, a front frame 130 is fixed to the parallel bars 122 a, 122 b. The front frame 130 is connected to guide wheel housings 132 a, 132 b, at each end of the front frame 130. The guide wheel housings 132 a, 132 b fixed with the front frame 130 extend at least beyond a width of the wheels 104 a, 104 b in relation to the center point pivot 120.

The guide wheel housings 132 a, 132 b each support a respective guide wheel 134 a, 134 b rotatingly affixed thereto. Each guide wheel 134 a, 134 b is a substantially round wheel centered and mounted with a vertical (outward from the page) rotational axis 136 a, 136 b. The guide wheels 134 a, 134 b each rotate around the respective rotational axis 136 a, 136 b. Whereas the wheels 104 a, 104 b travel along a surface, such as the ground, the guide wheels 134 a, 134 b can travel along a guide (hereafter further detailed) perpendicularly to the surface on which the wheels 104 a, 104 b travel.

At another end of the parallel bars 122 a, 122 b, a rear frame 140 is fixed perpendicular to the parallel bars 122 a, 122 b. The rear frame 140 is attached at its ends with respective guide wheel housings 142 a, 142 b. Like the guide wheel housings 134 a, 134 b, the guide wheel housings 142 a, 142 b are each affixed with a rotation axis 144 a, 144 b, rising vertically (i.e., upward in the page of FIG. 1). Each respective rotation axis 144 a, 144 b is fixed with a guide wheel 146 a, 146 b that rotates on the rotation axis 144 a. Like the guide wheels 134 a, 134 b, the guide wheels 146 a, 146 b can travel along a guide perpendicularly to the surface on which the wheels 104 a, 104 b travel.

Referring to FIG. 2, a rear view along line A-A′ of FIG. 1 shows the mechanism 100 and relative orientation of the wheels 104 a, 104 b and the guide wheels 146 a, 146 b. Although not shown in detail in the Figures, a front view of the mechanism 100 would also show a substantially similar relative orientation of the wheels 104 a, 104 b and the guide wheels 134 a, 134 b. The rear frame 140 is substantially horizontal with a surface on which the wheels 104 a, 104 b can roll. The parallel bars 122 a, 122 b, and the respective guide wheel housings 142 a, 142 b fixed to the rear frame 140, each rotate around the center point pivot 120 for the mechanism 100.

Referring to FIG. 3, a transit vehicle 300 includes two opposingly configured pivot steering mechanisms 100 a, 100 b. Each pivot steering mechanism 100 a, 100 b is fixed at its center point pivot 120 to a vehicle base 302. The vehicle base 302 is a chassis or other foundation atop which can be fixed a vehicle housing (not shown in figure), such as a passenger compartment. The vehicle base 302 extends a length beyond each mechanism 100 a, 100 b. Each mechanism 100 a, 100 b is located under the vehicle base 302, and the vehicle base 302 (and any vehicle housing fixed to it) is fixed with each mechanism 100 a, 100 b via the respective center point pivot 120.

Respective and parallel extending guides 304 a,b form a guided path in which the entire structure of the transit vehicle 300 can travel. The guides 304 a,b extend upward from a travel surface on which the wheels 104 a,b of each mechanism 100 a, 100 b can travel. For example, if the wheels 104 a, 104 b travel along a relatively horizontal ground surface, the guides 304 a,b are rails extending along the surface and forming an upwardly projecting side. The adjacent and upwardly projecting sides of the guides 304 a,b serve to retain the respective guide wheels 134 a, 134 b and 146 a, 146 b of each of the mechanisms 100 a, 100 b between the guides 304 a,b.

In operation, the center point pivot 120 of each mechanism 100 a,b is retained in approximately a center of the travel path formed by the guide rails 304 a,b. If and when the guide rails 304 a,b vary from exact straight extension, the mechanisms 100 a, b are maintained between the guide rails 304 a,b. Nonetheless, the vehicle base 302 need not be bendable or otherwise jointed in order to continue in the path formed between the guide rails 304 a,b. Moreover, the respective guide wheels 134 a, 134 b and 146 a, 146 b of each mechanism 100 a, 100 b can continue along the guide rails 304 a, 304 b of the path, because each mechanism 100 a, 100 b is able to rotate laterally in relation to the vehicle base 302, via the respective center pivot point 120.

Furthermore as to operation, the entire transit vehicle 300 is automatically steered and guided in an appropriate path by the guide rails 304 a, 304 b forming the travel path. The wheels 104 a, 104 b of each mechanism 100 a,b are aligned to rotatingly travel along the appropriate path, because the wheels 104 a, 104 b are automatically aligned therein in travel, as the guide wheels 134 a,b and 146 a,b travel within and along the guide rails 304 a,b. The double pivot arrangement of the vehicle 300 permits travel along any path by the vehicle, corresponding to the appropriate and desired path formed via the guide rails 304 a,b.

The steering provided by the foregoing will permit travel of the vehicle 300 along most any desired path, including along conventional mass transit roads and the like. Moreover, the vehicle 300 is not restricted to travel on any railway or other particular surface. The wheels 140 a,b of the vehicle 300 can be regular tires or other round wheels. If the vehicle 300 is incorporated with a manual or other steering assemblage, the vehicle can travel along as so steered. In such instance, the guide rails 304 a,b would not be limiting. Moreover, the vehicle 300 can be equipped with a drive train and engine or motor. In such instance, the vehicle 300 can automatically travel as driven, either along a path formed by guide rails 304 a,b or along any other path provided there is some other steering assemblage or path. In any event, the vehicle 300 is not limited to operations of travel via or within guide rails 304 a,b or any other particular path. On the other hand, the dual mechanism 100 a,b arrangement and center point pivot 120 thereof, allows any type of vehicle base 302 (and vehicle housing) to effectively travel within a guide rail 304 a,b path.

For other examples and alternatives, the Exhibit A hereto and incorporated herein includes additional features and concepts. All such examples and alternatives, together with the features and concepts, are included herein and in the invention.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises, “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 

1. A system for guided travel over a surface between parallel guide rails, comprising: a first frame including at least one rotatable element for travel over the surface; a first pin connected to the first frame, for rotation of the first frame thereon; a second frame including at least one rotatable element for travel over the surface; a second pin connected to the second frame, for rotation of the second frame thereon; and a base connected to the first pin and the second pin.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first frame and the second frame each travel retained between the guide rails.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the guide rails are substantially perpendicular to the surface.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first frame and the second frame each travel retained between the guide rails.
 5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a guide wheel for tracking along the guide rail, wherein the guide wheel is rotatingly attached to the first frame or the second frame.
 6. A transport system for travel over a surface, comprising: a wheel for travel on the surface; a frame on which the wheel is rotatingly fixed; a guide fixed to the surface; and a roller, rotatingly fixed to the frame, for travel in close proximity to and along the guide.
 7. The transport system of claim 6, further comprising: a second wheel for travel on the surface, rotatingly affixed to the frame.
 8. The transport system of claim 7, further comprising: a second guide fixed to the surface in substantially parallel relationship to the first guide; and a second roller, rotatingly fixed to the frame for travel in close proximity to and along the second guide.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first roller and the second roller travel between the first and second guide rails.
 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a second frame, wherein the second frame includes a first and second roller, each rotatingly fixed to the second frame and traveling along respective ones of the first and second guide rails.
 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising: a vehicle structure, connected independently to each of the first frame and the second frame.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a first pin fixedly connected to the vehicle structure, and pivotally affixed to the first frame.
 13. The system 12, further comprising: a second pin fixedly connected to the vehicle structure, and pivotally affixed to the second frame.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first pin and the second pin are centrally locatable between the first and second guides during transit.
 15. A method of transit of a vehicle, comprising the steps of: providing a first guided wheel; providing a second guided wheel; and pivoting the first guided wheel and the second guided wheel with respect to the vehicle.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first guided wheel and the second guided wheel travel along substantially parallel to a guide.
 17. A method of transit, comprising the steps of: providing a frame having a first pin and a second pin longitudinally displaced; providing a first guide, pivotally connected to the first pin; and providing a second guide pivotally connected to the second pin.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of: providing a first wheel rotatingly connected to the first guide; and providing a second wheel rotatingly connected to the second guide.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first wheel and the second wheel travel across a surface during transit.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first wheel and the second wheel are retained between longitudinally parallel guides along a desired path of the transit; and wherein the first wheel and the second wheel each travel between the guides during transit. 